This fall has been a busy time for our division! We’ve put together a recap of what has been going on, and what to expect in 2026.
Bargaining Update
On Friday, December 12th, your Part-time Support Staff bargaining team is returning to the table with the employer for a second day of mediation, as we continue our ongoing fight to secure a fair deal.
We encourage everyone to wear blue in support of your bargaining team, and to share your photo with your colleagues to caatsptbargainingteam@gmail.com. For the duration of mediation there is an imposed black out on information, and as always, the team will provide updates as soon as they are able.
Recap of Divisional Meeting on November 29 and 30
On November 29 and 30, we held our Divisional Meeting in Toronto, where we had over 60 part-time support staff attend – a record number! It was heartwarming to see members from every region attend, and we continue to be encouraged by the increased level of participation of our members in union events.
Over the course of the weekend, part-time support staff engaged in educational sessions on grievances, campaigns, explored language to strengthen our collective agreements, and did an overview of Robert’s Rules of Order.
By far, the most important thing emerging from our Divisional Meeting weekend was the relationships built between members and locals. It was great to see the attendees making connections – the foundation of organizing – to share ideas and concerns. Exploring local issues, we determined shared ground across campuses and learned what is affecting the division province-wide.
There was also growing interest from members of our division about upcoming events and elections, and we’re looking forward to seeing increased part-time support staff representation at the upcoming OPSEU/SEFPO Convention, Regional events and Committees.
It was a wonderful weekend – and we look forward to the next opportunity to get together!
Are you passionate about fighting for your rights in the workplace? Consider becoming a union steward!
Stewards are an integral part of a union’s structure. They help their co-workers navigate their workplace rights, share information and stand up for fairness in the workplace. We are strongest as a division when we have a large network of stewards, and all are encouraged to put their names forward!
If you want more information about being a steward, please fill out this form and one of us will be in touch!
Upcoming Events in 2026
We are already looking forward to a packed 2026: a year full of opportunities to engage with one another, build our division and continue the fight to improve our workplaces and strengthen the larger labour movement we are all part of.
You can be on the look out for the following:
- Lunch and Learns run by the Divisional Executive (DivEx)
- College visits from the Divisional Executive Committee
- A 2026 Part-Time Support Staff Divisional meeting (details TBD)
- A call out for newly established working groups (Education, Equity, Mobilizing)
- Regional Meetings (March 21-22, 2026)
- OPSEU/SEFPO Convention (April 9th- April 11th, 2026)
If you’re interested in getting more involved or want to learn more about participating in the above, please reach out to caatsptdivex@gmail.com.
In solidarity,
Your College Support Part-Time Divisional Executive:
Sara McArthur Timofejew, L241, Mohawk College, Chair (she/her)
Doreen Follett, L416, Algonquin College, Vice-Chair (she/her)
Noor Askandar, L 557, George Brown (she/her)
Yaroslava Tverdokhib, L 557, George Brown (she/her)
Toni Pettit, L 561, Seneca Polytechnic (she/her)
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Instagram: @CollegeSupportPT
Facebook: @CollegeSupportPT